Last year saw a surge in interest in air fryers and it's no surprise really. Not only do air fryers create a healthier alternative to fried food with very little oil but they're also much quicker and more energy efficient compared to using an oven, saving money on energy bills. Now the problem is, many of us out there have had the same idea, making it tricky to get hold of the best air fryers available.
Rather than provide you with lots of dreaded 'out of stock' products, we've sourced the best air fryers that you can actually buy today, saving you any disappointment and helping you create those quick and healthy toddler meals in a jiffy.
Types of air fryers
Basket-style air fryer: The most popular type of air fryer that you're sure to recognise, these air fryers have slide-out baskets or trays that can be pushed in and pulled out of the main unit which has heating elements and fans.
Rotisserie air fryer: Perfect for poultry lovers, these air fryers use a rotisserie function (where the meat is skewered on a spit) to produce whole chickens that are crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside.
Mini oven air fryer: Rather than a basket, mini oven air fryers typically use convection or fan technology to cook your food on slide-in trays.
How do air fryers work?
Despite the name, air fryers don't technically fry your food. Instead, they cook by circulating hot air in the perforated basket around the food. This creates an intense heat transfer that is more like frying than cooking.
How is food cooked in an air fryer healthier?
Rather than the food itself being healthier, it's the cooking method an air fryer uses which makes it so as it requires little no oil. According to Science Focus, "an air fryer can almost recreate the same sort of heat transfer you get with oil, but without adding so many calories to your food."
What can you make in air fryers?
The choice is endless when it comes to cooking with an air fryer and you'll find that a lot of your family's favourites can be made in less time by using one. Our favourites include chips, veggies, roast potatoes and battered or breaded chicken and fish.
The best air fryers
Description
The 5.5L square basket of the Cosori air fryer provides a larger cooking area, meaning it can
Pros
- Stylish
- Spacious
- Dishwasher-safe components
Cons
- May be too big for some homes
Description
The 8 pre-set modes of this air fryer can be used for fries, roast chicken, fish, vegetables and
Pros
- 2 in 1 machine will fry and grill
- Easy to clean
- Holds up to up to 1.2kg of food
Cons
- Some reviewers found the pre-set modes unnecessary
Description
The removable non-stick coated fry basket and crisping plate of this air fryer from Russell Hobbs
Pros
- Reasonably priced
- Touch screen display
- 10 pre-set food programmes
Cons
- May be too small for families
Description
Offering a generous 8.2 litre capacity across two cooking baskets, this extra-large air fryer can
Pros
- Large capacity
- Can cook different foods at the same time
- Sync and match cook functions
Cons
- May take up too much room
Description
It may look slightly different from the other air fryers on our list but this model from Tower
Pros
- Rotisserie option
- Comes with lots of extras
- Large capacity
Cons
- The rotisserie fittings can't be removed
Description
The see-through window and perfectly placed light of the Instant Vortex Plus means that you can
Pros
- See-through window allows you to check on food
- Intuitive message bar which prompts add food and turn food reminders
- Stylish stainless-steel finish
Cons
- None!
Description
Use the dial control panel to easily select a pre-set cooking option on this air fryer or adjust
Pros
- Extra-large size
- Easy-to-use dial controls
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- The shape can be inconvenient
- No digital display
Description
One of the most popular brands of air fryers, Ninjas are notoriously difficult to get hold of
Pros
- Popular brand
- Dishwasher-safe parts
- Digital display
Cons
- Can be tricky to clean
www.argos.co.uk
Description
It may not look like a lot of the other air fryers on our list but the Salter AeroGrill offers 16
Pros
- Removable bowl
- 16 cooking functions
Cons
- Noisy
- Bigger and heavier than other models
www.johnlewis.com
Description
This smart air fryer from Philips can be paired with an app where you can choose from hundreds of
Pros
- Large size
- Monitor cooking from your phone or tablet
- Keep warm function
Cons
- None